Alfred the Great

Alfred fights back

In Saxon times, much of Somerset was a marshy land, with small wooded islands rising from the swamp and lakes. Surrounded by wildlife and marsh birds, a punt was needed to move from place to place, Alfred founded a small settlement on a low hill: Athelney. In the middle of this wilderness a small fort was built. A ditch and bank, topped by a wooden wall or palisade was all the fort consisted of. Inside there was room for perhaps one or town hundred of Alfred's followers to live.

In secret, Alfred made plans to defeat the Vikings. He gave secret orders which were sent all over Wessex for his army to meet at Whitsun at Egbert's stone. Stealthily the army gathered, without the Vikings finding out. Alfred's Saxon army now moved towards Warminster where they lay hidden in the protection of some woods. Early the next morning they attacked Guthrum's army in what became known as the Battle of Edington and drove the Vikings back to their base at Chippenham. The Saxon army then camped outside the town until the Vikings ran out of food and had to surrender. King Alfred made peace with the Vikings- but there were several conditions.